NAFDAC UNCOVERS BUILDING STORING BOTTLES FOR FAKE ALCOHOL IN LAGOS

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a residential building in Lagos where more than 100 sacks of empty alcoholic beverage bottles were allegedly stockpiled for suspected use in producing counterfeit drinks.

The discovery was made by the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate at 322B Meiran Road, Agbado-Oke Odo, following intelligence reports about suspicious activities at the location.

Speaking in a video released by the agency, an Assistant Director in its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Kunle Ojo, said operatives found large quantities of empty bottles of different sizes and brands stored under tarpaulins within the premises.

Some of the bottles reportedly bore labels associated with alcoholic beverages, including Action Bitters and Royal Circle Premium Whiskey. The agency suspected that the containers were being gathered for supply to individuals involved in producing counterfeit alcoholic drinks.

Ojo explained that the bottles could be washed and supplied to suspected counterfeiters for reuse in packaging illicit beverages. He condemned the alleged activity, particularly because the building was located in a residential neighbourhood.

According to the agency, the bottles were destroyed to prevent their possible reuse in the production and distribution of fake alcoholic drinks.

The discovery has renewed concerns about the circulation of counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Nigeria, where the reuse of branded containers can make it difficult for consumers to distinguish genuine products from fake ones.

Counterfeit alcohol poses serious public health risks because its contents may not meet safety standards and could contain dangerous substances. Consumers who unknowingly purchase such products may be exposed to poisoning and other potentially life-threatening complications.

NAFDAC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods to the nearest agency office. The agency stressed that public cooperation would help identify and disrupt networks involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit products.

The agency did not disclose whether any suspects had been arrested in connection with the discovery.